Leigh Collins

A Birmingham resident for 27 years and an Alabama native, Leigh enjoys a community service and career history rich in diversity, having benefited from extensive and rewarding involvement with the non-profit community as well as having served as Marketing Director for the nationÕs third-largest book retailer. Leigh is proud to serve the community she fondly refers to as her "Big Mayberry", a sprawling neighborhood in which people genuinely support and care for one another. Leigh has been recognized as one of BirminghamÕs ÒTop 40 Under 40Ó business executives for her ability to motivate individuals and corporations alike to bring about positive change. As a member of the management team that led to the construction of the McWane Science Center in downtown Birmingham (one of AlabamaÕs leading tourist attractions and learning centers), Leigh established her reputation as a Òteam leaderÓ and popular public speaker. Leigh continues to actively work for positive growth in Birmingham, serving as the Vice President of Financial Development for the Birmingham YMCA Association (one of the 60 largest YMCA associations in the United States) and leading the fundraising efforts for all thirteen area YMCA branches. She is a proud wife to Kevin, stepmother to Caroline, Charlotte, Kaki and Clay, and enjoys her role as a flutist, vocalist and percussionist with the "Advent 5 O'clock Band". As a newly certified ZUMBA instructor (a latin-based cardiovascular exercise program), Leigh is joyfully embracing her 50s and looking forward to 'growing better with age'!